Parallels Toolbox 1.3 packs dozens of tools for macOS power users
Parallels today releases a new version of its Toolbox app for macOS, adding five new tools that give users more control over their privacy and make it easier to use their Mac devices, bringing the total number of available utilities to 25.
The main addition in Parallels 1.3 is the ability to block all apps at once from accessing the camera. Parallels introduced this feature for folks who like to put tape over their Mac's webcam to protect their privacy. It is a more convenient solution to a problem some people seem to have, including Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg.
The new Launch tool is going to come in handy when you want to open multiple apps, files, folders or links at the same time. An example Parallels offers in a promo video is of a user who needs to access multiple Microsoft Office files for a project.
To take advantage of this new feature, you have to add all the content that you want to open to the utility, open Parallels Toolbox 1.3 from the menu bar, and click on the respective utility every time you need it.
Another new feature in Parallels 1.3 is the option to eject all volumes with a single click. If you have lots of devices connected to your Mac, this will make it easier to disconnect every single one in case you want to shut down the device, for instance.
The other two additions are the Take Photo and Take Video utilities, which work as you'd expect: access either one of them and your Mac will take a photo or record a video right away. This is pretty useful if you do not have or do not want to install dedicated apps on your device.
"The feedback we received about Parallels Toolbox for Mac since its launch two months ago has been tremendous", says Parallels president Jack Zubarev. "We listen to and work closely with our customers. This is the first customer-inspired upgrade for Parallels Toolbox for Mac subscribers, as we continue to develop additional productivity tools for future versions that further simplify everyday computing experiences".
Parallels Toolbox 1.3 is available to download from the company's website.